Public loos to close as upgrade work begins
WORK on the public toilets in Cheltenham’s Montpellier Gardens is one step closer, with contractors moving on site to begin work from April 2.
Once completed, the newly refurbished block will offer residents and visitors an equal number of male and female toilets, two gender-neutral toilet facilities and a Changing Places toilet.
The project is being carried out by preferred suppliers Midlands Building and Maintenance Limited, following approval of the final concept design in April 2023 and budget approval in February 2024. The toilets will be closed to the public from Tuesday, April 2, with alternative facilities available in Imperial Gardens until the refurbished facility opens in early autumn 2024. Montpellier Gardens toilets are one of eight public toilets in the town centre which are owned and operated by the council. There is currently a Changing Places facility within the John Lewis store on Cheltenham High Street and a second councilowned facility at Pittville Park, next to the play area, refreshment kiosk and the existing public toilets, enabling more families to enjoy the area.
Councillor Iain Dobie, cabinet member for waste, recycling and street services, said: “Aiming to make all that Cheltenham has to offer as accessible as possible to everyone is something which this council not only believes in, but actively promotes.
“The refurbishment and upgrade of Montpellier Gardens toilets, located at the heart of our festival town, represents a key step towards delivering on this principle of fairness.’’